Victoria is the city, Mahe is the Island and Seychelles is the island group off the east coast of Africa, well out to sea from Mombassa, Kenya.
* * *
I don't like people who use fancy words and in this regard, any word that I do not know the meaning of is considered fancy!
However, I do love words and the English language even though my writings and knowledge is very limited as regards the amount of words that could be used and are in common usage by educated people.
I came across a word that I love, and is relevant on the round the world journey we are on. The word is ANTIPODE. It can have many meanings but the one I like is that antipode means the exact opposite, longitudinally. This morning around 5.30 we were at the antipode of our home. [122°35'23.37"W] longitude. 180 degrees from that longitude is… 57 degrees 35'23.37E. In other words we are exactly half way around the world from our home.
* * *
We have been travelling through this island group known as The Seychelles, some 115 islands in all, for some time. It is one of the smallest nations in the world. I suppose when nations were gathering up property in the days of the Empire they scooped up what they could regardless of geographical boundaries just to keep it out of the hands of the French, who actually had it first, then Britain until they were given their independence in 1976.
We four walked ashore 10minutes after docking and walked the mile or so to the town centre. The heat was stifling so we were soon in a restaurant and had a refreshing drink under one of 20 or so revolving fans and eventually ordered a fish dinner. The walk back to the ship was a bit cooler and much faster. We were here some few years ago but it is almost unrecognizable from that time. The place is neat, clean, orderly and it appears to be safe, at least at 5.00 in the afternoon! Many of the crew are going ashore tonight as we are here overnight to receive passengers who have spent the last five days in India.
We hope to go ashore tomorrow and go to the early market then head for the beach to get some relief.
* * *
Nautical terms in every day usage.
Under the weather: If a crewman is standing watch on the weather side of the bow, he will be subject to the constant beating of the sea and the ocean spray. He will be under the weather.
Pics:
- The clock tower, the symbol of Victoria.
- Fellette with tortoise and giant lily.
- Colonial days building.
- Monument to Queen Victoria.
- Main street.
- Dinner photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment